Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Figures reveal decade rise in free school meals
IAN BUNTING
Airdrie’s MSP has we l c o m e d the news the number of primary- aged pupils receiving free schools meals in North Lanarkshire has risen from 18.4 per cent to 53 per cent in the past decade.
Alex Neil says the increase has saved working families “hundreds of pounds a year”.
The latest figures released by the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe), show that, nationally, just over 53 per cent of primary pupils were registered for free school meals last year – a substantial jump from 2009 when just 16.7 per cent of kids were registered.
The SPICe analysis has also estimated that local families are saving £450 a year for each child, which Mr Neil has credited to the SNP’s commitment to extend free school meals for more pupils across Scotland.
In 2015, the SNP Government introduced free school meals for all pupils in P1-3, with evidence showing initiatives like this can help close the education attainment gap while improving the performance of children from low income backgrounds.
The number of secondary pupils registered for free school meals in North Lanarkshire has also increased in the past decade – from 14 per cent in 2009 to 15.19 per cent last year.
Mr Neil responded: “Free school meals are an important part of ensuring that every child gets the best start in life but it’s also a huge financial help to working families.
“This policy has been a huge relief for many families across North Lanarkshire at a time where household budgets are tight – saving parents over £450 a year for each child.
“While the SNP’s commitment to double the provision of free childcare for all three and four year olds is also saving young families around £ 4500 a year.
“There’s still a lot to do in reducing poverty and inequality in Scotland, but progressive policies like this are keeping more cash in the pockets of hard- working families in Airdrie & Shotts.”